A wise decision so it seems, since potential unemployment of people between the ages of 20-35 is currently recognised as a serious problem for most of the Gulf countries."This process of Omanisation, which provides interesting job opportunities for locals, strengthens the enthusiasm and dedication of young Omani's to further develop themselves, this is also recognised within our own local organisation, where we have employed several Omani's in disciplines ranging from secretarial and administrative support to civil engineers. They receive training on the job and in some cases also in the UK. This commitment emphasises Royal Haskoning's long term commitment to the Sultanate of Oman." Martijn adds.Martijn van den Berkm.vandenberk@haskoning.ae+971 50 348 7240""Image courtesy of Sohar Port Special ProjectsAn element that is firmly embedded in the Omani business environment is the process of Omanisation. Martijn van den Berk, General Manager - Royal Haskoning Omanrangeinternational >> 19

Port of Sohar a developing portSohar Port is an expanding industrial centre on the North coast of Oman and is run as a joint venture between the Oman government, Ministry of Transport and Commerce and the Port of Rotterdam. Royal Haskoning`s role has been to oversee the project from the reference design stage, through to tender assessment and now on site supervising the construction works and reviewing the design. The project comprises of a 780m long x 32m long access trestle. The jetty is 600m long and is 64.5m wide at the widest point. The project has been let as design and construct, with Royal Haskoning checking the contractors design. The basic structural concept of the jetty is steel piles with a steel superstructure and a reinforced concrete deck. The piles are 1.8m diameter and are driven in water depths of up to 25m with the jetty being 9.8m above LAT the resultant length of piles Royal Haskoning was commissioned in 2008 to undertake a reference design and to prepare contract documents for a new Bulk Iron Ore Jetty. Our client, Sohar Port Special Projects divisions (SPSP), was contracted to build the jetty for their client, the Brazilian mining giant Vale, who will operate the facility. In tandem to this Vale is building a palletising plant on shore. The jetty will provide the berthing facility for ships to bring in the iron ore from Brazil and for ships exporting the steel pellets to the Far East. >> 20rangeinternational